What is the significance of a horizontal or tangential dipole in EEG readings?

The significance of a horizontal or tangential dipole in EEG readings lies in its ability to show the electric field's alignment. A dipole refers to a model that describes the electrical activity of the brain as originating from a source with a particular orientation. When a dipole is aligned horizontally or tangentially, it indicates that the source of the electrical activity is oriented parallel to the surface of the scalp.

This alignment can affect how EEG signals are recorded at the electrodes placed on the scalp. When the dipole is tangential, the electric field generated can lead to a more effective and clearer recording at the nearby electrodes, potentially resulting in a stronger signal. Understanding the orientation of dipoles helps clinicians and researchers interpret the EEG data accurately and assess the underlying brain function or pathology.

Other options may touch on different aspects of EEG interpretation, but understanding the alignment represented by the dipoles is fundamentally crucial for analyzing how brain activity corresponds to the electrical recordings captured during the EEG.